At the same time that neighborhoods and communities are mobilized, it is also necessary to coordinate the efforts of all relevant governmental and social-service systems. In Massachusetts, DVS is doing just that. In June 2000, a task force of leaders in philanthropy, law enforcement and the corporate sector in the eight communities in Central Middlesex County decided to create an umbrella organization to promote better coordination. Run by 120 trained volunteers and backed by substantial resources — e.g., 191 appropriately trained police officers — DVS provides a forum and organized channels for cooperation. Its Victim Assistance Program has helped over 900 survivors of domestic abuse, as well as their families, friends and neighbors. Its excellence was recognized in 2004 with the biennial Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council’s Climate for Freedom Award. With a budget of just $200,000, DVS is making effective changes in the ways communities work together on this knotty problem. This is also a necessary model for the future, and if you live or work in Central Middlesex, it merits your support.